But, Jessica Alonso told NJ.com in an email that her husband has already told a team of physical and occupational therapists his short term goals in his recovery: "to play with my daughter."

"There is still a long road ahead, but with Aaron's strength, courage and determination we know that he will make an amazing recovery," she said.

"We have been at Walter Reed (National Military Medical Center) since Valentine's Day," Jessica Alonso said. "Aaron is still in the ICU and has sustained two leg amputations — one below the knee and extensive abdominal injuries. He undergoes surgery every other day, mostly for wound debridements. The doctors did mention, though, that he will receive upwards of 100 surgeries. He has remained out of his medically induced semi-coma and has been having some pain, but it seems to be under control with help from multiple medications."

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"He's already amazing us with his determination to do things on his own," she said in the post. "Jessica got him a new razor, and he shaved his face with his left hand because his dominant right is bandaged at the moment. Not too many shaving-related injuries to report. Jess told him he could let his scruff grow out, but he replied 'I'm still a Marine.'"

"Later in the day he invited Jess back over to the hospital to have a movie date. He was all smiles when the movie started, but he wasn't watching the TV, he was looking at his wife. He told her that he couldn't do this without her."

"Seeing him be more of himself again and having goals in place helps to envision the big picture. Looking back, the improvement over these past two days has even been remarkable.

"It's a good day for all of us here at Walter Reed. With up to 100 surgeries ahead and a long recovery, there will be those difficult days too. There are those nagging 'why' questions that pop into your mind and sometimes you feel hurt, but what stays constant is the gratitude that we feel to have him and the faith that everything will work out in time."

Supporters have raised more than $76,000 for Aaron Alonso and his family's expenses through the GiveForward page since it was set up last week, and the site has served as a conduit of information regarding his recovery.

Jessica Alonso has previously asked supporters to wait a few weeks and to contact her before coming to see her husband as "there is still much to be done before he can start his recovery."

"Many of you have expressed interest in coming to see Aaron and it is greatly appreciated but we ask that you please wait a few weeks and contact me before coming to see Aaron," she said in an earlier post. "There is still much to be done before he can start his recovery and we would like to give him the time and space to do so. Please continue to keep us in your thoughts and prayers, I cannot even begin to explain to you how wonderful it is to have such an amazing group of people in our corner during this most difficult of journeys."

Those interested in donating to the family can also do so by making a deposit to Alonso Strong Benefit, Inc. at any PNC Bank, according to the website.

Other local fundraisers are also currently in the works such as a Feb. 26 event at Cinders Wood Fire in Mine Hill, said John Frade, the executive chef and managing owner. Twenty-five percent of sales during the fundraiser will be donated to the Alonso family, he said.